Bengaluru, 06 January, 2025: RV University (RVU) unveiled its 2025 calendar, themed, “Dance Forms of India,” featuring photographs of the University’s own talented students performing Indian classical and folk dance traditions. The photoshoot took place at DAPM RV Dental College Auditorium with a professional stage setup, lighting and students dressed in traditional costumes. The concept was designed to highlight the talent of RVU students while reflecting the university’s emphasis on holistic learning and its student-led approach to education.
Under the guidance of Ms. Deepa Ganesh, Executive Director, Centre for Visual and Performing Arts and the faculty at the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences (SoLAS), the calendar, which was designed and implemented by RV University’s Communications Team, came to life.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. (h.c.) A.V.S. Murthy, Chancellor of RV University, shared, “The theme of this calendar reflects our commitment to reviving the ancient Indian philosophy of Chaushath Kala—mastery over diverse arts and sciences. By integrating academic rigour with cultural exploration, we aim to nurture a generation of leaders who appreciate and preserve our heritage while shaping a global future.”
Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar, Vice Chancellor of RV University, while unwrapping and releasing the New Year table calendar highlighted the significance of each page of calendar’s month and stated, “In ancient India, true education was seen as a mastery of the Chaushath Kala, or 64 arts, particularly different forms of the dance. This calendar designed and developed by our students and media team represents our dedication and commitment to reviving the tradition of holistic learning, blending academic rigour with cultural awareness and creative exploration.”
“Our 2025 calendar is a unique piece of creation and more than just a date-keeper; it is a celebration of India’s cultural diversity and depiction of our students’ artistic and innovative talents,” added Dr. Sanjay.
Dr Kumar further said, “It represents RVU’s vision of education that embraces both traditional arts and contemporary academic excellence.”
Dance Forms Across the Year
- January – Mohiniyattam is a graceful traditional dance from Kerala that draws inspiration from Mohini, the alluring female manifestation of Vishnu, who is renowned for her delicate, feminine Lasya style. Sneha Surendran is the featured performer.
- February: Kathak is a northern Indian traditional dance-drama that is distinguished by its expressive storytelling, rhythmic ankle bells, and precise footwork, which frequently depicts tales of Lord Krishna. Yashasvini Satish Sharma, Deeksha Bhargav, and Amrutha M. Nair were among the featured performers.
- March: Inspired by temple art, this traditional Odissi dance is known for its elegant, flowing motions and dexterous footwork. Performer Apoorva Hegde is featured.
- April: Bharatanatyam is an ancient dance, which has its roots in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu, uses intricate expressions and precise movements to capture India’s rich cultural legacy. Sneha Surendran and Shreya Kashyap were featured performers.
- May: Lavani is a lively Maharashtra folk dance that blends lyrical narration with expressive gestures to the upbeat rhythms of the dholki. Performers Parinitha RK, Prajna MS, Geethika S, and Kriti were featured.
- June: Contemporary Dance emphasises technique and unrestricted expression by fusing aspects of jazz, ballet, and lyrical dance. Lalitha VR, Khushi A Reddy, Revathi S, Janhavi R, Vishishta Kiran, Trisha D. Souza, and Anoop Sagar were among the featured performers.
- July: Kamsale, a distinctive dance style honouring the rich tradition of the Kuruba community in Karnataka that blends spiritual devotion with martial expertise. The following actors were featured: Debangee Biswas, Tulasi Rayasa, Jhenkaar N, Giri Nandana, Anil S, Deeksha Bhargav, and Rushabh Shetty A. Karan Kumar S.
- August: Kuchipudi is a traditional dance for of Andhra Pradesh that is renowned for its elegant motions, ornate costumes, and poignant mythological narratives. Featured performers are Sandhyashree Karanth, Varsha C, Maithili K Hebbar, N Sanjana, Manesha P, Megha NH, Srivarenya T, Sadhvi J, Ananya S, Ishita DS, Aditi A, Spoorthi S.
- September: Ghoomar is a traditional Rajasthani folk dance with characteristic pirouetting moves that was first performed by the Bhil tribe in homage to Goddess Saraswati. The featured performer is Manya Jain.
- October: Garba is a colourful Gujarati folk dance that is performed during Navratri to honour devotion and communal spirit via pulsating circular motions. Sujay Surya, Manya Jain, Akhil Dayanand, Apoorva R, Aryan Singh Tomar, Khushi A, Anoop Sagar, and Ahanya Krishna were among the featured performers.
- November: Yakshagana is a dramatic dance style that is typically performed all night long and incorporates music, lavish costumes, and intricate makeup. The performerfeatured is Soujanya Manasa.
- December-Koravanji, known for their colourful performances and traditional dress, Koravanji is a distinctive dance tradition of fortune tellers and face readers who worship Goddess Parvathi. K Rajarajeshwari and Shreya Kashyap were featured performers.